My cat

Monthly Archives: December 2013

Although cats make great pets, they can be expensive. If you are unprepared for the costs, challenges, and care associated with raising a cat, you are not likely to have a good experience. For ideas to improve your cat’s health and happiness, read on.

When considering a new pet, make sure you visit the area shelter first. They have tons of amazing cats who desperately need a home. You really are saving a life and keeping the feline population in check all in one!

When your female cat is old enough, you should have her spayed. Even if she stays inside all the time, she could get out when in heat and end up pregnant. Spaying a cat can prevent this.

Be certain your cat has regular vet visits. Your cat needs to get a checkup about once every year, or more if there are issues that come up. Make vet appointments immediately if your cat has a medical condition or has become injured.

You should get your cat a tagged collar, even if it is not legally required. Tags can save you a lot of trouble if your cat gets lost. At least put your phone number and pets name on the tag.

Never let a cat become bored. Cats require physical activity. The unfortunate thing is that many owners of cats don’t realize this. A bored cat runs the risk of developing depression and obsessive compulsive disorders that may harm them or something in your home. Give them toys they can play with, play with them yourself, or at the least give them room to exercise. An indoor cat needs a good scratching post.

Male cats may develop crystals in the urine, which usually occur as a result of a poor diet. Passing such crystals is a painful experience for your cat, and your wallet isn’t going to enjoy the vet bill. Choose a low magnesium food. Check the ingredients list on the label. Fish products tend to be higher in magnesium than poultry products.

Anytime you travel with a cat, their ears should be monitored. You may enjoy it, but it could be hurting your cat’s ears. Spare your cat’s sensitive hearing by keeping the volume down at all times.

Children usually take well to cats, but if you have a small child, you may need to provide some instruction. Make sure your kids understand how cats should be handled. Demonstrate the appropriate way to pick the cat up and how to play with them. Keep in mind that a cat’s bones are much more fragile than a dog’s.

You should try your hardest to figure out the reason that you are hearing your cat meow. As you develop a relationship with your cat over time, it will become easier to determine why she is meowing. Your cat might need food or might want to go out. By giving her the proper amount of attention you can better attend to her needs.

Never try to teach a cat how to work a litter box. This skill is something your cats pick up on their own, not something that can be taught to them. It’s not a good idea to rub your cats paws in litter. Some people think this is the way to train. It isn’t.

Don’t toss an older scratching post just because it looks worn. Your cat will enjoy the post most when it has been well used. If you toss it away in favor of something newer, your cat may look for something older to scratch, and that may end up being your furniture.

Pets can be pricy to care for and cats aren’t an exception. Cats generally need a lot of care which can be considered similar to caring for a child. As you now know, you can curtail the expenses of having cats while you still get to enjoy giving them good care.

Cats are amazing. As the owner of a cat, it is important that you learn how to properly care for them, so they can be healthy and live longer. Read this article and follow the suggestions it contains.

You may want to have a microchip put into your car. You never know when your cat could get away from you. Collars and tags can help get your cat home, however cats are experts at wiggling out of these, not to mention the risk they pose if they were to get snagged on a bush or tree branch. Microchips are as small as a rice grain and have all of your important contact information. Most organizations that deal with animal care can scan your cat for microchips, and because they are implanted, they won’t get lost.

Your cat needs to be shown lots of love. A cat’s companionship should be returned with the same. Cats thrive when treated like part of the household, so involve them in daily activities around the house. They want to feel like a valuable, happy family member, too.

Cover the area around your cat’s bowl with a cloth. Cats sometimes like to eat food outside of their bowl. This can result in a mess that needs to be cleaned up. There are two ways to do this. You can either put a placemat under the food bowl or use some stray fabric that you have lying around. Either way, you can easily get rid of debris by dumping them in the garbage.

Be careful if you leave a kitten with a young child. Under five, the child needs to be watched. Most of them simply aren’t mature enough to grasp the concept of danger to themselves or the animal. As they age, you can determine how much interaction they should have with the animal.

Your cat should like their carrier. Cats just don’t respond like dogs do when it comes to punishment. They respond better to encouragement. Placing some of your cats favorite items in the carrier can really help. Sooner or later, your cat will try out the appealing space and learn to be comfortable in it. This takes the hassle out of traveling with your cat in its carrier.

High quality cat food is important to your cat. You should check the ingredients and make sure the food you give your cat includes a healthy source of protein, such as chicken, fish or beef. Try avoiding foods that have non-protein elements like corn. Cats are carnivores and must have a lot of animal protein for proper nutrition and better health.

As previously mentioned, cats are great pets. Take the time to learn the best way to take care of a cat so that you can fulfill your obligation as its owner. Read this article again if need be. Kitty will be thankful!

Cats can sometimes be high maintenance. You may not fully understand their preferences for years after you adopt them. With the proper advice, however, you can ensure that they are safe and cared for–even if they don’t realize that you’re the boss! Here are a few helpful tips to teach you how to care for your cat.

When considering a new pet, make sure you visit the area shelter first. Shelters have lots of great cats available, and your adoption fee often covers key veterinary services. When adopting a shelter cat, you’re saving a life and aiding in controlling the cat population.

You need to take your pet to the vet on a regular basis. Cats need special shots to keep them from getting sick, and the veterinarian will check your cats overall health. Do your best to use the same vet for your cat’s entire life. This person will be more knowledgeable on your cat’s history.

Ensure that your cat goes to the vet often so that they are healthy. They should go at least once yearly for a check-up, and more often if they need any shots. If there are obvious issues with your cat, it needs to see the vet immediately. Don’t wait!

You shouldn’t ever use products designed to be used on dogs on your cat. Your cat will have a bad reaction to anything that has been specifically formulated for a dog. This is especially true of flea products. These products can be fatal for your cat. You should keep your cats and dogs separated after using a flea treatment.

A cat’s claws can do significant damage to your home and belongings. If you find your cat shredding your furniture, consider purchasing a scratching post or cat tower. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. Sooner or later, they’ll love to use it.

It can be hard to make your cat stay off the counter. Cats like to be up high, where they can watch everything going on. Making a place high-up for your cat can solve this issue. Putting a cat tower in or near the kitchen can help keep the cats from laying on the counter.

Have your cat chipped so you can find him if he runs away. Indoor cats can slip out an open door. Tags and collars may be able to help you get your cat back, but cats can sometimes take these things off or they could get hung up on a tree or something. Microchips are extremely small, but they can hold all the same information as an identification tag. These days, pretty much all shelters and vet offices have scanners that can read these chips, and because they’re beneath your pet’s skin, they won’t ever get lost.

Find cat medicine online if you want to get discounts. In an emergency, however, this might not be possible. However, for standard medications, like flea medications or heart worm pills, online sources offer a substantial savings to pet owners.

If you’re thinking about raising an outdoor cat, you should strongly reconsider. It is dangerous in today’s society. Your cat could get fleas or even worse parasites. Your cat could be injured by other animals, people and vehicles. Cage in an area for a cat in your backyard if they must go outside.

Seek the advice of others if you have a cat that’s giving you problems. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. You can find several cat forums online where you can ask questions, or you can choose to simply call your vet for advice too.

Feed your cat several different kinds of food if you want to the lower the chances of them becoming finicky. If they start eating just one type of food without variation, they are sure to grow finicky.

You should feed your cat food out of a can. Dry food may cost less, but canned food has more benefits. Your cat will get extra protein and fats from canned food along with some of the water it needs every day. For older cats, canned food chew easier. You should ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure what kind of food to get.

It may be time to take your cat to see the vet if it begins urinating more frequently and in places besides its litter box. It could be an indication of a serious health problem. A potentially serious illness can be prevented with some inexpensive antibiotics.

Haired Cats

Long-haired cats require more care than their short-haired comrades. Shedding is a major issue that you will have to face. Unless you have time to dedicate to cleaning up their fur, don’t get long haired cats. Long-haired cats also often have hairballs.

Check your cat if they suddenly stop using their litter-box. There are many health conditions that can cause your cat to use the restroom in places other than their own litter box. A bladder infection is often at the root of the problem. If your pet stops using the litter box then see your veterinarian.

Your cat may always seem miffed at you, but these tips will help build your relationship. You should do your best to look after your cat and make sure she gets everything she needs; these tips will help. The your cat may finally start to be a little more welcoming. Could be!

Cats have been a longtime human companion. There have been poems about them, movies featuring them, and even Broadway show written about them. It’s not surprise, because cats think they are the boss. The advice below is priceless.

Cats can get into even the tiniest of spaces. They can get caught or stuck if they happen to be wearing a collar. Breakaway collars are designed to release in these situations. A collar like this could save your cat’s life.

Spray electrical cords with some bitter apple to prevent cats from getting electrocuted. Most office stores sell a tube that you can stick all of your wires and cords through if the spray doesn’t work. Loose cords can be bundled and tucked inside old paper towel rolls. All thin cords should be put up when you’re not using them.

Think about getting a microchip for your feline friend. Indoor cats could run out your door or jump out the window. While a collar with a tag is useful, remember that your cat may be able to escape from the collar while they are away. Collars can also harm your cat if they get caught. A microchip is tiny, similar in size to a single rice grain and capable of holding plenty of information. The majority of veterinarians possess scanners that can read your chips. Because these chips are placed underneath your cat’s skin, they won’t get lost.

Cats are frequently nocturnal in their habits. This means that they’re going to be running around more when it gets dark. If your cats keep you up late at night, you should close the bedroom door. This can keep them from waking you up at night and from pouncing on feet under the blankets.

Be attentive to your cat and give them your love and company, often. Think of all the friendship and comfort cats provide to us. Without love, cats may not socialize with your family. They need to feel as though they are an important part of the family, as well.

Many times, cat meds can be purchased on the internet for less than they’d cost if you got them from your vet. In an emergency, however, this might not be possible. For more routine situations, saving 50% by buying online is quite possible.

Cats love to be high up. Your cat will appreciate being on top of a cupboard, fridge or anywhere they can surrey their environment. If a cat tower is not ideal, a simple shelf that does not have any breakable items can work. To make it really special, put a bed or blanket up there too.

Talk to people you know about any cat problems you’re having. Though you want to handle problems on your own, you may require advice from others who own cats. There are online cat forums that allow you to ask questions as well.

You eat quality food, and if you want your cat to stick around a long time, they need quality food, too. Check out the ingredients, and make sure meat tops the list. Don’t choose a food which is mainly corn. Cats are carnivores and their diet should reflect that.

You want your cat to be wearing a collar with ID tags on a full-time basis. Even if it’s an indoor cat, this is important. An adventurous cat can easily slip through an open door or window. Your cat’s identification tags should provide your contact info and that of your veterinarian. Also make sure to note any unusual medical requirements.

Litter Box

Carefully consider where you will place your friend’s litter box. You may want to hide it away. The litter box should be somewhere that is easy for your cat to get to, however. It has to be a quiet area with little traffic. If you keep the litter box on a cold cement floor, put a mat or rug down underneath it.

There are some thing that you eat that may not be good for your cat. Some of these foods are green tomatoes, grapes, onions and garlic. If your cat eats these things, they could become very sick. Even a commonly fed food, milk, can make your kitty ill.

Cats have a very sensitive nose and can easily detect any changes to their environment. This may cause issues if they have a new bed, scratching post, or food dish. If the cat doesn’t like it, don’t be alarmed. As the item takes assimilates the smell of his home, it will become acceptable to your cat.

Give your cat varieties of dry food whenever possible. Kittens have small teeth so they need soft food. However, as their teeth grow, the hardness of dry food allows their teeth to get stronger. For those cats who are picky eaters, a mixture of both dry and wet food usually does the trick.

An overfed cat will quickly become ill. Overeating can cause obesity in your cat, which can cause serious illness, similar to people. Watch your cat’s portions and make sure that you feed him a well-balanced diet.

Cats get some illnesses that we do. Pay attention to changes in your cat’s mood and behavior as they may be a sign your cat is feeling poorly. You should have your vet check out your cat. Your vet will be able to notice the signs of an illness and give your cat preventive shots.

If you’re like many cat owners, your pet is the center of your universe, or at least your home. When you use these tips, you can better your cat’s life and yours. Cats are great pets when they are trained properly.

Many families find unexpected difficulties when they adopt their first cat. Never purchase a cat before you plan in advance. Even well-educated cat owners are often faced with unexpected challenges. Luckily these tips can give you an edge and help you face the unknown.

Remove the drape cords from visibility when a cat is in the house. If the cat becomes caught in a loop, they could choke to death. It may actually cause them some serious harm. Therefore, ensure that drape cords are pinned away from your cat’s reach.

It’s crucial that your pet gets checkups from your vet regularly. They should get their vaccinations and have a full check up. Always use the same veterinarian if possible. They will learn your cat’s history best.

If your cat is female, you need to get it spayed at the proper age. If an indoor cat gets out, you may soon have kittens. Spaying your cat is the best way to prevent this from happening.

Cats are great family pets, but small children might be too rough. Show your kids the proper way to handle cats. Demonstrate the appropriate way to pick the cat up and how to play with them. Cats have weaker bones than dogs and need more gentle treatment.

Cats love to be high up. A cat will only be happy if you give it a safe spot to look over everything. You should install a cat tree or allow your cat to climb on some shelves. Make it extra comfortable by adding a blanket or cushion.

Brush your cat daily. Brushing can help to spread the natural oils and stimulate the skin’s blood flow. Brushing will also help to remove loose hair. This can reduce hairballs which can be harmful to a cat and build up in their stomachs.

When your cat makes a mess somewhere other than their litter box, don’t get mad. It might be happening because you aren’t caring for the box good enough. If you punish your cat for this, it will fear you later in the future.

Buy your cat a fountain it can drink from. Cats like their water to move. Cats respond well to this stream of water. In fact, many cats like to drink from a running faucet instead of drinking from their water bowls. Drinking fountains are more environmentally-friendly and they let your cat drink naturally.

Those quality-training tips are perfect for all breeds of cat, regardless of age or location. You also need to get to know your cat better so you can adapt to its needs and habits. A newly adopted kitten should be a fun experience, and make sure that is foremost in your mind!

Graceful movements, a quick brain and purring. Cats are absolutely wonderful animals and make excellent pets. They need a lot of care, and this article will show you what to do. This article gives you the tips necessary to live a great life with your cat. Continue on for more information.

You have to place a litter box correctly. Keep the litter from the cat food, and avoid placing it in a busy area. It is also advisable to keep the litter box area ventilated to control odor. Your cat and you will prefer this in the end.

Place a “tablecloth” under your cat’s food bowl. Some cats like removing food from their bowl and eating it beside their bowl. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat’s food bowl. There are two ways to do this. You can either put a placemat under the food bowl or use some stray fabric that you have lying around. Either way, you can easily get rid of debris by dumping them in the garbage.

If you get a small kitten for your children, make sure they understand the rules ahead of time. Make sure your children are aware of rooms that are open to your cat. If you want to have an indoor cat, explain to your children that they cannot let it go outside. Clearly explaining the rules will limit future mishaps.

Try not to let your cat go outside. The outside world is very dangerous for cats. Your cat could get fleas or even worse parasites. Additionally, your cat is likely to be injured by cars or other animals. If your cat has to be outside, make sure it is only in a small area near the house.

Be sure to brush or comb your cat’s fur on a regular basis. Brushing improves the circulation of your cat and helps spread natural oils in the fur. It also loosens hair that is about ready to fall out. Loose hair causes hairballs, a common problem for cats. The hair enters the pet’s stomach and they later cough it up.

If your cats create messes near the litter box, don’t punish them. They’re doing it because the box is too dirty, or they may be sick. It isn’t fair to punish a cat for wanting a clean area to do its business, and you don’t want to make the cat wary of you.

Do not throw away your cat’s scratching post because it is starting to look very old and worn. To your cat the post is just right. Ditching the structure may alienate your cat, making it more likely to turn elsewhere in your home for its scratching needs.

Go pick yourself up one of those water fountains for cats. Wild cats like to drink flowing water, and domestic cats are the same. Cats respond well to this stream of water. In fact, many cats like drinking from faucets more than from their water bowls. A drinking fountain is a more environmentally-friendly way to allow them to drink naturally.

Ensure that your cat wears a collar and identification tags at all times. This is very important for indoor cats. Cats are curious creatures, and you never know when they might wander off to explore. Make sure the collars have tags with your contact information and your veterinarian’s information as well. This is very important if your pet is likely to get lost or has some medical needs.

If you notice your cat is urinating a lot or at improper places, you should take it to the vet. A change in where or how a cat urinates can signal a UTI or other health problem. Certain antibiotics prescribed by your vet can clear up the problem.

If your cat is pregnant, make sure she has plenty of room to give birth. You need to be patient, as it will be three or four hours before all the kittens have been born. Should the time run to six hours, and you think more kittens are due, get the cat to the vet immedietely

If your cat will not use the litter box, try placing it at a different spot in your home. Just like humans, cats can be sensitive to where they eliminate, so choose a private location if possible. The best places are basements and laundry rooms.

One of the most delightful things about a dog is the way they happily greet their owners. Cats move their tails too, but it’s not for the same reason. Tail wagging for a cat is more subtle and can indicate many different emotions. Sometimes a cat wags its tail when threatened or frightened. If you hold your cat and it starts wagging its tail, you should put your cat down right away.

With this article, you’ve got some excellent ideas that will help. You’ll be a better person for it. A loving cat will improve your quality of life. Here kitty, kitty!

There is no end to the joys of cat ownership. However, caring for a cat can be a lot of work and time-consuming. There are various responsibilities that cat owners must know. Thankfully, the following paragraphs will give you the knowledge you need. Keep reading to learn all you can.

Cats enjoy finding small spaces to fit into. Cats that wear collars are at risk should they become stuck somewhere cramped. A breakaway style collar will literally “break away” if pulled too tight. Using this collar will prevent your cat from injuring itself.

If your cat is a female, you’ll want to spay her once she reaches the proper age. If an indoor cat gets out, you may soon have kittens. Getting your cat spayed is the best in regards to prevention.

Flea Products

Never use any product intended for dogs on a cat. They can have very strong and possibly negative reactions to dog products. This happens a lot with flea products. Flea products that are intended for a dog can kill a cat. Once you use flea prevention products on your dog, it should be kept separately from the cat for hours.

Your cat needs lots of affection and love. They want warm companionship since that’s what they provide to you. Like people, cats like to socialize and need to feel like they’re an essential part of your life. Cats want to feel loved and needed.

Some male cats get urinary crystals, but this is preventable with proper diet. If they have to pass the crystals it can cause the cat a lot of pain and paying a vet to help with this can cost you a lot of money. Choose a cat food low in magnesium. Check the label. Fish products tend to be higher in magnesium than poultry products.

As this article has told you before, there is a lot to gain in owning a cat. But good care is key to enabling your cat to maximize the duration of its life. Using the information provided here will be a big step in making your cat a happy addition to your life.

Sometimes, cats will rack up the bills for you. Vet expenses, toys, food and litter all add up to a significant amount. With the solid advice below, you will find ways to keep your pet and save some money too.

If your cat is female, then ensure you spay her as soon as you can. While your cat may be an indoor one, there is always the possibility it can get out and you wind up with kittens one day. Getting your cat spayed is a great way to stop this from going on.

A cat’s claws can do significant damage to your home and belongings. If your beloved feline friend is shredding and damaging parts of your home, try investing in a cat tower or a scratching post. Give them some encouragement and let them know it is okay to scratch that. Be patient, it might take some time for your cat to learn to use the post or tower.

It can be hard to prevent your cat from jumping on the counter. Cats like heights and like to see everything happening around them. Therefore, you should create high areas for resting. Putting a cat tower in or near the kitchen can help keep the cats from laying on the counter.

Pick a good spot for the cat’s litter box. It should not be placed in a high traffic area, and it should be far away from the cat’s food. Choose an area that is well-ventilated to avoid bad smells. Your cat and your nose will thank you for the effort.

A tablecloth should be made for your cats. Cats sometimes like to eat food outside of their bowl. That can mean a bigger mess for you to clean. An easy solution to this problem is a placemat underneath the food dish, or a piece of fabric you can easily wash.

Are you the owner of both a dog and cat? Dogs love to eat cat food! Thus, you must keep cat food out of the dog’s reach. This is a good way to keep your pets from fighting over food and water.

Be careful when leaving your cat with your children. Children under 5 years of age should not be alone with the pet. They’re not really mature enough to know how dangerous a kitten can be. As your children get older, you can decide when to teach them about handling a pet.

You don’t want to punish a cat if they do their business outside of their litter box. Many times this occurs because the box wasn’t well maintained. The cat will be fearful of you if you punish it.

Feed your cat several different kinds of food if you want to the lower the chances of them becoming finicky. If you feed them the same thing day in and day out, it will be the only thing that they are able to eat later on down the road.

Pets can be pricy to care for and cats aren’t an exception. Cats have complex requirements, which leads many people to compare their needs to those of a small child. Now that you read this article, you know what it takes to properly care for your feline.

There are usually obstacles that arise when you first buy a cat. Getting pets before properly preparing is a disaster. Even with the most preparation, it can still be tough to anticipate everything a cat might do or need. The more you know, the better, though, so read on.

It can be tricky to keep a cat off the kitchen counters. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up. One way to deal with this issue could be to devote certain high spaces for your feline friend to sit in. A cat tower near the kitchen will ensure that cats won’t lay on your counter.

Never let your cat experience frequent boredom. Although you may believe that cats just lie around, this isn’t the case. They need their exercise. Unfortunately, a lot of cat owners neglect this. A lack of stimulation can lead to psychological or medical problems for your cat, including depression, compulsive disorders, and chronic misbehavior. Give them exercise space and a lot of toys. If your cat is an indoor cat, a cat tower or scratching post makes an ideal source of fun and exercise.

Litter Box

You should be sure to place your pet’s litter box in a good location. A cat’s litter box should be in a quiet spot in the house, away from where your cat eats. Make sure it’s properly ventilated to keep smell down. This will make you and your cat happy.

Male cats can develop crystals that form in their urine, so prevent this with the right food. These crystals can cause your cat pain to pass, and your vet bill can be expensive. Keep your cat’s diet low in levels of magnesium. Go over the label carefully. Avoid fish products.

Cats and small children may not always mix. Make sure your child knows how to treat a cat. Give them examples of how to be gentle with it and what should and should not be done. Tell them that a cat’s bones need to be handled more gently than those of a dog.

Don’t try to show your feline how to go in the litter box. This should come naturally for your cat. You cannot teach it to do this. Contrary to what most people believe, it’s actually incorrect to rub a cat’s paw in the litter.

Feed your cat top quality food. Check out the ingredients, and make sure it includes protein, such as meat, as the first item in the list. Try omitting non-protein based foods such as corn from your regular diet. Understand that your cat needs a lot of animal protein to stay healthy.

Go pick yourself up one of those water fountains for cats. Cats who are in the wild prefer to drink from running water, and this holds true for domestic cats, as well. Cats respond well to this stream of water. In fact, there are cats that enjoy drinking from a running sink instead of a bowl. A drinking fountain will be good for the environment and can help the cat to enjoy its water more.

Make canned food the mainstay of your cat’s diet. While dry food is less expensive, canned food is healthier. The water content is higher, and there is more protein and fat in the canned food. Older cats find it easier to eat, too. Go ahead and talk to your vet, but canned food is favorable for cats.

Your cat needs to always wear some tags on a collar. This is essential, even for indoor cats. Cats tend to be curious and open doors and windows can be inviting. Tags with your veterinarian’s info and your contact number should be worn. This will be important especially if you have a cat with medical issues.

Litter Box

Make sure that the litter box placement is easy for your cat to get to. It’s sometimes tempting to put the box somewhere that you don’t have to smell or see it. It is important to locate the litter box where your cat can easily get to it. Cats are finicky, so you must provide an environment that is not inconvenient or off-putting to the animal. A litter box located in the basement should be placed on a thick mat or rug.

The tips given to you are great for all types of cats. You have learned fundamental ideas on how to raise a happy and healthy cat; however, understand that all cats are different, and you will have to continually change your strategy. Just remember to enjoy every minute with your adopted kitten no matter what.

Cats need to stay active and have something to do when they aren’t asleep. Every time you turn your back, you can guarantee that your cats will be climbing somewhere they are not allowed. Cat toys are an easy way to keep this from happening. Find some great cat advice within this article.

Keep your drapery cords out of the reach of your cat. If the cat becomes caught in a loop, they could choke to death. This is incredibly dangerous as it could be fatal for your cat. Make sure that the cords are completely out of sight.

Regular veterinary checkups are important for the health of your cat. Your vet will provide your cat with the shots it needs to prevent disease. Your vet can also check the overall health of your cat. Your cat will be more comfortable if you continue using the same vet. They will understand your cat and its issues better this way.

Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. If you try to use products meant for dogs, it can make your cat sick, or even kill him. Flea products especially. Flea treatments made for a dog can be fatal to a cat. Once you use flea prevention products on your dog, it should be kept separately from the cat for hours.

Generally, cats love to stay on the counter. One thing they like about it is they enjoy being high up. You can control this tendency a bit by making high places in the house that you feel comfortable having your cat utilize. One way to keep your cats from continuously jumping on the counter is to install a cat tower near the problem counter.

Your cat needs love and attention. Cats need just as much companionship as they give out. Like most people, cats like to socialize and feel that they are included in the family. This will increase the love that surrounds the family.

Crystals in the urine, an issue many male cats have, can be avoided with the proper food. This problem is painful for the cat and to your wallet, as well. Let your cat have food that doesn’t have a lot of magnesium in it. Read the ingredient list on the label. You will notice that fish-based foods and products are higher in levels of magnesium than anything sourced from poultry.

Create a tablecloth for the feline. Some cats prefer to remove their food from the dish and eat it off to the side. This can really make a mess, and you might have to spend significant time cleaning around your cat’s food bowl. You can also use any type of mat underneath your cat’s eating apparatus to reduce the mess.

Use care if you have kids and a cat. Children under five years of age should not be left alone with a kitten. They aren’t mature enough in order to handle the potential dangers of a kitten. As your children get older, you can decide when to teach them about handling a pet.

Cats enjoy being high up. For a truly happy cat, provide a safe place for your cat to survey his surroundings. Placing a shelf or two up high will not take up too much space in your home. You can even lay down a blanket to give your kitty some comfort.

If your cat experiences major problems, don’t be afraid to talk to other cat owners. Advice from other people can be very beneficial for you. There are many online cat forums that you can visit and ask some questions. If necessary, you may need to call your veterinarian.

Litter Box

Don’t teach the basics of using a litter box. They will do it on their own and don’t need to be taught. Some individuals believe they should carry their cat to the litter box and rub paws into the litter. This actually can be quite traumatic for a cat.

Your cat should like their carrier. Cats are not as responsive to punishment as dogs are. Cats learn well when they feel encouraged. Leave the door to a carrier open at all times, and make the interior enticing with a beloved toy and blanket. Cats are natural explorers and sooner or later he will check it out. It will then be easier to transport the cat in the carrier.

If the cats scratching post is looking tired and worn out, never throw it away. Cats typically like older posts compared to newer posts. There is a good chance if you got rid of it and bought a new one that your cat would start scratching up your furniture.

Think about getting a drinking fountain for your cat. A cat will always drink from running water if possible. Streaming water is much easier for your cat to take in. In fact, many cats like drinking from faucets more than from their water bowls. Fountains keep the water cool and clean.

Litter Box

Your kitty’s litter box should be strategically placed. It is tempting to place it out of sight, in order to avoid the image of it or smells that go along with dirty litter. However, it’s important to make sure your cat can easily access its litter box. This will keep your cat as happy as possible. Keep this in mind when deciding on the permanent placement for your best friend’s potty.

Cats are very energetic and you can help them expend that energy by giving them toys. Keep cats amused and entertained. Take some of this article’s toy recommendations into consideration and keep your cat away from your favorite items.